I just heard about Fred's passing from former co-worker Bob Stone. I worked for Fred from 1986-1989 at Air Con when I first got into the the profession. He was one of my first mentors in the business. Fred's knowledge was great, but his compassion for people is what I remember the most. I last saw him around 5 years ago...I stopped in at the bank to say hello, and he remembered me! We sat and chatted for awhile about life, business and family.

My deepest condolences to the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Fred had a big heart, and set a great example with his leadership, courage, compassion and wisdom. I am blessed having known him. May God rest his soul.

I was deeply saddened when I stopped in to the bank last week and learned of Mr.Abdula's passing. I am just so so very sorry for your loss! He was such a wonderful person. You see, my mom, Marcy DeMasters was his personal secretary and V.P.for quite a few years at the Bank of Waukegan. I always remember her telling me that she would not retire until Fred did. Unfortunately, she took sick and was forced in to retirement. I know that was a very difficult time for her. She respected and admired him so much. I just wanted to let your family know what a truly wonderful man he was. He also helped me along when I returned to Illinois to be with my family. So, I am writing this not only for myself but also my dear sweet mom... She would have liked me to do this. Again, please accept my very deepest sympathies. He will be greatly missed!!

Our deepest condolences to Ann, Linda, Lisa, Pat & Mike. Your Father was truly a unique and sincere man, and undoubtly the best friend MY Father ever had. Our lives were, and are, enriched by Fred. We all are blessed by his presence.

To the Abdula Family, I was very sad to hear about Fred's passing. He will be missed. I had the benefit of working for him back in 1987-1992 and I enjoyed my involvement with the firm. Fred was always a gentleman and very generous. My thoughts and prayers go to all of you.

~

Carol Passalaqua,

Lake Zurich, Illinois

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I was so sorry to learn about Fred's death. He had a larger than life presence and contributed so much to the community. My sympathies are with all of you.

My condolences and prayers are with you. Last Saturday evening, I was looking at a wedding photo of Dad and Mom (Fred and Arlene Nelson). Fred and Ann were in the photo, too. It brought back fond memories of my early childhood days. I always thought Fred was so handsome and Ann so beautiful. Fun times our families had together. Love, Julie (Nelson) Bilow

So sad to hear about Mr.Abdula.I will always remember his kind manor,how he really cared for people,his family and community. I waited on all of you at GlenFlora for 25 years and enjoyed every minute of it.My heart goes out to all of you now and always. I will always remember him in my heart always! Terri Alden

Friday, October 19, 2012

Our prayers and love are with the Abdula family. Mr. Abdula is resting in GOD"s perfect peace. The Anyah Family

~

Jane Anyah,

Chicago, Illinois

Friday, October 19, 2012

Our prayers and love are with the Abdula family. Mr. Abdula is resting in GOD"s perfect peace. The Anyah Family

~

Jane Anyah,

Chicago, Illinois

Thursday, October 18, 2012

I read all the notes sent in this gueat book. What more can be said! i will miss my dear friend and always remember the times we shared together.To you all; Linda, Micheal, Patrick & Lisa, your Dad was like a father to me, also!

~

Rick Grabowksi

Thursday, October 18, 2012

My deepest sympathies to your entire family. I am truly sorry for your loss. In the time that I knew Fred here at Air Con he demonstrated his kindness and generosity in so many ways. Fred's passing will undoubtedly leave a lasting effect on the many, many people he has touched throughout the years including myself. I'm so very fortunate to have had the honor and pleasure to know him.

~

Vickie Niewerth,

Salem, Wisconsin

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Our deepest sympathy goes to the Abdula family for the loss of a great man. I have known Fred for 40 years in business and with the Genesee Theatre. He was always a fair and hard worker who would help in any way that he could. He will be deeply missed.

We want to express our deepest sympathy to the Abdula family on their loss of a great man. I had the privilege to work for Fred for 35 years at Air Con & couldn't be more grateful. Fred's high quality standards were always top priority & he instilled a sense of pride in everything we did. Fred lead by example where hard work & common sense were key & nothing was impossible. But more impressive than his leadership was his generousity & his willingness to work with his employees through hard times & personnel issues. The flexibility he allowed me to have while working & caring for my Mom for 20 years & the Mayo Clinic appointment he arranged for her in 3 days! will never be forgotten. Behind the hard driving "marine" businessman was a huge heart & feel very fortunate to have worked close to him. We will sadly miss him but will always be thankful to have known him.

~

Bob & Maria Stone,

Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Thursday, October 18, 2012

My condolences to you all. Fred will be missed by many. A real Waukeganite: smart, compassionate, clever, creative and fun loving. The list goes on.

Fred was a good friend and mentor to me throughout my business career. He always had time to answer a question, always returned phone calls, and was always courteous and compassionate. My personal memories of him are many and will be treasured. The community and has suffered a loss of a creative and productive individual. My wife Esse and I offer our sincere condolences to his family.Gary Edwards

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.The Flannery family.Shawn, Jessica, and Jacob

~

Shawn Flannery,

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

~

Debi Taylor,

Newport Township, Illinois

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

To the Abdula Family,I am so very sorry for your loss. Fred will be greatly missed, forever cherished and always remembered.

~

Teri Granfield

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Our family extends our deepest sympathy to the Abdula family regarding their Father, and Brother, his wife, my God father and cousin , on Fred Abdula's passing. Fred was a most kind, thoughtful, and generous person. He will be always missed by all, his friends, his community. Earl, Gayle, Aaron, Adrian, and Shane Hatley. Randolph, New Jersey.

I am so sad to hear about dear Fred. He was a wonderful man and I know you will all miss him dearly. Perhaps the "Chain" will help ease some of the sorrow & pain you are experiencing.

Love to you all.

Kathy

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, The Chain will link again.

My condolences to family and many friends of Mr. Abdula. I worked for Fred and The Bank of Waukegan for 5 years in the 90's. He led his bank with firm conviction but was always fair in his decisions. I learned much from his leadership. He will be missed by all who knew him.

~

Al Oller,

Warren Township, Illinois

Monday, October 15, 2012

My condolences to the family, Fred will be deeply missed by all. your in my thoughts & prayers Cindy Zimmerman